Unlocking Prosperity Through Employee Ownership
Inspired by the Butterfly Effect, our name and logo emphasize the importance of interconnectedness, navigating complexity, and recognizing that small actions can have a significant impact.
Inspired by the Butterfly Effect, our name and logo emphasize the importance of interconnectedness, navigating complexity, and recognizing that small actions can have a significant impact.
PURPOSE
We provide purpose driven capital solutions that enable transformational change.
Monarch provides the capital to make employee ownership a reality – helping businesses, advisors, and investors navigate the complexities of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). With years of experience structuring transitions, we simplify the process, maximize value, champion culture, and drive long-term success for all stakeholders.
CONVICTION
We believe employee ownership is a simple yet powerful idea.
Empowering employees to think and act like owners drives innovation, productivity, and shared prosperity. When ownership is shared, businesses thrive, communities grow, and wealth is built for generations to come.
PARTNERSHIP
We are more than investors – we are partners in transformation, committed to making ownership transitions seamless and sustainable.
At Monarch, we measure success not just in financial returns, but in the long-term impact we create – for businesses, employees and the future of employee ownership.
Business Owners & Companies
We offer flexible capital that empowers business owners to transition to employee ownership without compromising their company’s future.
- Up to 100% seller liquidity in ESOP transactions
- A seamless transition strategy that preserves company culture and independence
- Tax-efficient structures that maximize business value
- Sustainable growth and stability through long-term employee engagement
Industry Professionals
We help advisors, consultants, and ESOP specialists bring new options to their clients through innovative financing solutions.
- A new pathway for ownership transitions that ensures long-term success
- Expert partnerships that reduce complexity and streamline execution
- Enhanced client offerings by integrating ESOP strategies into financial planning
- Stronger business outcomes through engaged, invested employees
Investors
We provide a compelling investment model that delivers both competitive returns and meaningful impact.
- Potential for attractive, risk-adjusted returns through employee-owned businesses
- Alignment with social impact goals, creating wealth for employees and communities
- Sustainable investment strategies that drive long-term stability
- Strong history of leveraging deep expertise in ESOP financing
ABOUT
Monarch Investment Partners was founded on the belief that employee ownership is a catalyst for lasting success.
With decades of experience structuring ESOPs and purpose-driven financing, we bring deep expertise, strategic insight, and a personal commitment to every business we work with. Our approach is built on trust, collaboration, and a belief that when employees have a stake in success, businesses and communities thrive.
Michael McGinley
Partner, Co-founder
Katie Kimble
Partner, Co-founder
Kelly Cornelis
Strategic Advisor
Michael is the Co-Founder of Monarch and a recognized leader in the ESOP industry with over 20 years of experience. Before launching Monarch, he led the ESOP sell-side and capital raise practice at Prairie Capital Advisors, advising business owners, boards, and trustees on ownership transitions, M&A, and valuations. A published expert on ESOPs, he holds an MBA in Finance from Georgia State and a BS from Georgia Tech. With multiple industry accreditations, Michael is deeply committed to helping businesses and their employees build lasting financial success through employee ownership.
Katie is the Co-Founder of Monarch, bringing 20 years of experience in private equity, hedge funds, and real estate. Previously a Managing Director at Fundamental Income and a leader at Mesirow Financial, an employee-owned firm, she has a deep understanding of ownership structures and financial growth. A CPA and CAIA, she holds multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees from Villanova University. Passionate about employee ownership, Katie is dedicated to building lasting relationships and championing success for businesses and their people.
Kelly brings over two decades of experience across private equity and investment banking. Before joining Monarch, she spent 20 years at LaSalle Capital, a leading lower middle market buyout fund. As Partner and Chief Operating Officer, she was responsible for deal sourcing and execution, financial operations, portfolio management and investor relations. Previously she led investment activities at SB Partners and began her career as an analyst at William Blair. Kelly was a founding member of the Chicago Women in Private Equity, and is a member of WAVE and PE WIN (Private Equity Women's Investor Network). She is also an active investor and board member, having served on over 15 private company boards, including MBBI (Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries) and ACG Chicago. Kelly holds a BBA from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Michael McGinley
Partner, Co-founder
Michael is the Co-Founder of Monarch and a recognized leader in the ESOP industry with over 20 years of experience. Before launching Monarch, he led the ESOP sell-side and capital raise practice at Prairie Capital Advisors, advising business owners, boards, and trustees on ownership transitions, M&A, and valuations. A published expert on ESOPs, he holds an MBA in Finance from Georgia State and a BS from Georgia Tech. With multiple industry accreditations, Michael is deeply committed to helping businesses and their employees build lasting financial success through employee ownership.
Katie Kimble
Partner, Co-founder
Katie is the Co-Founder of Monarch, bringing 20 years of experience in private equity, hedge funds, and real estate. Previously a Managing Director at Fundamental Income and a leader at Mesirow Financial, an employee-owned firm, she has a deep understanding of ownership structures and financial growth. A CPA and CAIA, she holds multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees from Villanova University. Passionate about employee ownership, Katie is dedicated to building lasting relationships and championing success for businesses and their people.
Kelly Cornelis
Strategic Advisor
Kelly brings over two decades of experience across private equity and investment banking. Before joining Monarch, she spent 20 years at LaSalle Capital, a leading lower middle market buyout fund. As Partner and Chief Operating Officer, she was responsible for deal sourcing and execution, financial operations, portfolio management and investor relations. Previously she led investment activities at SB Partners and began her career as an analyst at William Blair. Kelly was a founding member of the Chicago Women in Private Equity, and is a member of WAVE and PE WIN (Private Equity Women's Investor Network). She is also an active investor and board member, having served on over 15 private company boards, including MBBI (Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries) and ACG Chicago. Kelly holds a BBA from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.